Other Years

Our Take on the 2012 Volvo XC60

Our Take

Volvo's XC60 is a compact luxury crossover that competes with other premium entries, like the Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX and Mercedes GLK. Powered by a normally aspirated or turbocharged six-cylinder engine, the five-seat XC60 is available with a wealth of safety features like lane departure wa... Read Full Report

What We Like

Stylish interior and exterior

Handling

Highway stability

Optional integrated booster seats

What We Don't Like

Front seats may be too firm for some

Light-colored lower dashboard

Snug backseat

Rear backrests don't recline

Notable Features

New Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum trims

Newly available 325-hp six-cylinder engine

FWD or AWD

Standard City Safety collision avoidance system

Reviews

Our Expert Reviews

By Kristin Varela

I had high hopes for the 2012 Volvo XC60. I recently (reluctantly) ended a long-term relationship with my own beloved Volvo, a C30, because it no longer fit my evolving family. Having recently added a husband and stepdaughter to my previous status as a single mom of two, we're now in the market for a five-seater like the XC60. I hoped that maybe this car would fill my empty heart.
While my... Read full review for the 2012 Volvo XC60

Consumer Reviews

4.9 stars

Average based on 11 reviews

5 out of 5 stars

The best enginered SUV for the money

by ROAD RUNNER from Allentown, Pa
on November 9, 2011

Well designed. Very functional. Runs like a rabbit. 235 hp. Handles very well. No constant down shifting when going up a slight grade. In cruise control their is no change in rpm. I get 25mpg doing 60...
Read Full Review

T6 R-Design Platinum
4dr All-wheel Drive

A trim is a style of a vehicle model. Each higher trim has different or upgraded features from the previous trim along with a price increase.
Learn more about trims

Trims Explained

When talking about cars, “trims” is a way of differentiating between different versions of the same model. Typically, most start with a no-frills, or “base” trim, and as features are added, or a different engine, drivetrain (gas vs. hybrid, for example) or transmission are included, trim names change and prices go up.

It’s important to carefully check the trims of the car you’re interested in to make sure that you’re getting the features you want, or that you’re not overpaying for features you don’t want.

Gallery

+14

Safety

Crash-Test Reports

IIHS Ratings

Based on Volvo XC60 3.2

Head Restraints and Seats

G good

Moderate overlap front

G good

Roof Strength

G good

Side

G good

IIHS Ratings

Based on Volvo XC60 3.2

G
Good

A
Acceptable

M
Marginal

P
Poor

Head Restraints and Seats

Dynamic Rating

G good

Overall Rear

G good

Seat Head/Restraint Geometry

G good

Moderate overlap front

Chest

G good

Head/Neck

G good

Left Leg/Foot

G good

Overall Front

G good

Restraints

G good

Right Leg/Foot

G good

Structure/safety cage

G good

Other

Roof Strength

G good

Side

Driver Head Protection

G good

Driver Head and Neck

G good

Driver Pelvis/Leg

G good

Driver Torso

G good

Overall Side

G good

Rear Passenger Head Protection

G good

Rear Passenger Head and Neck

G good

Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg

G good

Rear Passenger Torso

G good

Structure/safety cage

G good

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests. IIHS also evaluates seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.

NHTSA Ratings

Based on Volvo XC60 3.2

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Overall Front

5 out of 5 stars

Overall Side

5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rollover Rating

4 out of 5 stars

NHTSA Ratings

Based on Volvo XC60 3.2

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Overall Front

5 out of 5 stars

Overall Side

5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rollover Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Driver's

5 out of 5 stars

Passenger's

5 out of 5 stars

Side Barrier

5 out of 5 stars

Side Barrier Rating Driver

5 out of 5 stars

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

5 out of 5 stars

Side Pole

5 out of 5 stars

Side Pole Barrier combined (Front)

5 out of 5 stars

Side Pole Barrier combined (Rear)

5 out of 5 stars

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. NHTSA provides vehicle safety information such as front- and side-crash ratings and rollover ratings. Vehicles are rated using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Free Scheduled Maintenance

Warranties Explained

Bumper-to-Bumper

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

Powertrain

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

Roadside Assistance

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

Free Scheduled Maintenance

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.